withhold

verb

with·hold with-ˈhōld

wit͟h-

withheld with-ˈheld

wit͟h-

; withholding

Synonyms of withhold next

transitive verb

: to hold back from action : check

archaic : to keep in custody

: to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing

withhold permission

: to deduct (withholding tax) from income

intransitive verb

: forbear, refrain

withhold from commenting

withholder noun

Choose the Right Synonym for withhold

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control.

keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Examples of withhold in a Sentence

She was accused of withholding evidence. She has $20 withheld from her paycheck every week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda’s screenplay withholds the cause of the parental transformation until quite close to the end — a smart choice that puts viewers in the throes of action from the first song, which Zegler belts with typical panache. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2024 During his first term, Trump attempted to withhold funding from sanctuary cities by signing an executive order that cut funding to them, but it was blocked by federal courts. —

Alia Shoaib, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 Nelson wrote that evidence that could have helped prove Mariah's injuries were related to the fall down the stairs was improperly withheld from the defense team by prosecutors. —

Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 The last Trump administration sought to withhold money from Los Angeles over its long-standing policy of not allowing police officers to take part in immigration enforcement. —

Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for withhold